The Winding Paths of the Seiler Clan

Just a friendly reminder...

2009-01-04T21:33:00.001-05:00

...to all my loyal readers that I have changed blogs. If you haven't done so please mark the new blog.

Frogguruami Chasing Chickens

Musical Blogs!

2008-12-11T14:20:00.002-05:00

I am consolidating my blogs. All my ramblings are now available in one spot for your one stop reading pleasure!

http://frogguruami.blogspot.com/

How cool is this ornament???

2008-12-04T21:46:00.004-05:00

I posted a link to this ornament the other day. Here is the first one. Don't mind the paperclips. The glue is still wet!! The first one took me all afternoon to do. But I have the system down and I finished probably 75% of it in about an hour and a half. Although it was very time consuming, it only took 5 sheets of 12X12 scrapbooking paper and some white glue. Oh and lots of paper clips. So not a bad handmade. I plans for a few more. Once they are all done I will post more pics!

Gettin' Inked with Clown Cash!

2008-12-03T15:07:00.004-05:00

Random Rant

2008-12-02T14:50:00.002-05:00

Frederick's does not carry stockings! How does Frederick's NOT carry stockings?

Here is how the conversation went down:

Me: I need a pair of nude stockings.

Clueless Girl (CG): The thigh highs are over here.

Me: I don't want thigh highs. I want stockings.

CG: Oh we don't carry those.

Me: Huh?? You carry Garter belts, right?

CG: Yes.

Me: But you don't carry anything to go with them??

CG: Well, if you wanted to you could wear the thigh highs with them.

Me: You have never worn thigh highs with a garter belt. I know this because if you had you wouldn't be suggesting it!!!!

Seriously, FREDERICK'S does not carry stockings!!!! Of all the things I have to search for, stockings was the last thing I would have guessed!

I've been playing on CRAFT again...

2008-12-01T21:20:00.003-05:00

Kusudama - These would make awesome ornaments.

Paper Roses - What a beautiful and environmentally friendly alternative to a bouquet of flowers. And here are some Lilies.

Pin Hole Camera - Got any photographers on your list?

Photo Pencil Covers - Artists or writers??

Paper Globes - Another great ornament idea

Paper Ornament Stars

Cereal Gift Boxes - Recycling at it's best! And here is one out of old greeting cards.

Hair Accessories

Book Hand Bag - for those book lovers!

More Holiday Craft Ideas

2008-11-30T19:51:00.002-05:00

Paper Ornaments

Fold Out Flower Box
imaging these done to look like poinsettias and holly leaves....

White Paper Flower Bouquet

Oh look! A Chicken!!

2008-11-30T12:28:00.003-05:00

I just scrolled through the front page of my blog and realized how crazy it is. Pictures from the new camera, Buddhist philosophy, Christmas music lyrics, craft projects....What's next????

Stay tuned to find out!!

Deep Thoughts for your Sunday....

2008-11-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

"I have arrived - I am home - My destination is each step" - Thich Nhat Hanh

Five Remembrances

I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.

I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health.

I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.

All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

Cute gift idea

2008-11-27T14:48:00.002-05:00

Photo Cube

3D Paper Stars

Giggle....

2008-11-26T00:44:00.001-05:00

How to wear a Sari...

2008-11-25T09:54:00.002-05:00

A friend brought me back some beautiful things from India. Now I just have to figure out how to wear them!!!!

How to wear a sari...

Here are a few pics I took with my new lens.

2008-11-22T14:48:00.002-05:00

There are more pics on Facebook!

My Favorite Things

2008-11-19T21:51:00.000-05:00

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Merry Christmas! * Frohliche Weihnachten! * Feliz Navidad!

2008-11-19T20:59:00.006-05:00

Mele Kalikimaka! Joyeux Noël! Nollaig Shona Dhuit! Buone Feste Natalizie! Merry Keshmish!

Well, you get the idea....

Yes, we got our Yule present early. We are SOOOOO impatient! LOL

K got an award at work so we had an unexpected $1100 in Amazon Gift Cards to spend. (Being in possession of that much in Amazon GC is enough to make any homeschooler shudder with excitement!!!) So we decided to get the cameras we have been eying. (Yes, I said caremas, plural. At least we accept that we don't share well!!)

I have been coveting Carey's DSLR since she got it. I eek out an occasional decent picture with my Sony P&S and every once in a great while I will accidently have a neat effect here and there. But it is kinda hard to plan a particular shot with a P&S, regardless of how nice it is!

Now I just have to figure out how to use the crazy thing. It is one thing to understand f-stop, ISO, shutter speed, etc. It is another thing to actually apply them.

Here are a few pic so far...

More....

2008-11-17T13:42:00.001-05:00

Stille Nacht

One of the most famous Christmas carols in the world, "Stille Nacht" was composed in Austria in the early 19th century. The lyrics were written by the assistant priest Joseph Mohr and the melody was composed by teacher Franz Gruber. According to Gruber, it was sung for the first time at the Christmas Eve mass in Oberdorf near Salzburg in 1818. By mid-century, translations into English as "Silent Night" had appeared, and by the turn of the 20th century, the tune was being sung all over the world.

Lyrics

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht
Alles schläft, einsam wacht
nur das traute hochheilige Paar,
holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh
schlaf in himmlischer Ruh.

Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Gottes Sohn! O wie lacht
Lieb´ aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da schlägt uns die rettende Stund´.
Jesus in deiner Geburt!
Jesus in deiner Geburt!

Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Die der Welt Heil gebracht,
Aus des Himmels goldenen Höhn
Uns der Gnaden Fülle lässt seh´n
Jesum in Menschengestalt,
Jesum in Menschengestalt.

Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Wo sich heut alle Macht
Väterlicher Liebe ergoss
Und als Bruder huldvoll umschloss
Jesus die Völker der Welt,
Jesus die Völker der Welt.

Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Lange schon uns bedacht,
Als der Herr vom Grimme befreit,
In der Väter urgrauer Zeit
Aller Welt Schonung verhieß,
Aller Welt Schonung verhieß.

Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Alleluja,
Tönt es laut bei Ferne und Nah:
Jesus der Retter ist da!
Jesus der Retter ist da!

Frohliche Weihnachten

2008-11-17T13:18:00.002-05:00

O Tannenbaum

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur
zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Dein Kleid will mich
was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Trost und Kraft
zu jeder Zeit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Das soll dein Kleid
mich lehren.

Kling, Glöckchen, klinglelingeling

Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling, kling, Glöckchen, kling.
Lasst mich ein ihr Kinder, ist so kalt der Winter.
Öffnet mir die Türen, lasst mich nicht erfrieren.
Kling Glöckchen, klingelingeling, kling Glöckchen, kling.

Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling, kling, Glöckchen, kling.
Mädchen hört und Bübchen, macht mir auf das Stübchen,
bring ' euch milde Gaben, sollt' euch dran erlaben.
Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling, kling, Glöckchen, kling.

Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling, kling, Glöckchen, kling.
Hell erglüh'n die Kerzen, öffnet mir die Herzen,
will drin wohnen fröhlich, frommes Kind wie selig;
Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling, kling, Glöckchen, kling.

Kommet ihr Hirten

Kommet, ihr Hirten, ihr Männer und Frau'n,
kommet, das liebliche Kindlein zu schaun.
Christus, der Herr, ist heute geboren,
den Gott zu Heiland euch hat erkoren.
Fürchtet euch nicht!

Lasset uns sehen in Bethlehems Stall,
was uns verheißen der himmlische Schall!
Was wir dort finden, lasset und künden,
lasset uns preisen mit frommen Weisen.
Halleluja.

Wahrlich, die Engel verkündigen heut'
Bethlehems Hirtenvolk gar große Freud.
Nun soll es werden Friede auf Erden,
den Menschen allen ein Wohlgefallen.
Ehre sei Gott.

O du fröhliche

O du fröhliche, o du selige,
gnadenbringende Weihnachtszeit!
Welt ging verloren, Christ ward geboren:
Freue, freue dich, o Christenheit!

O du fröhliche, o du selige,
gnadenbringende Weihnachtszeit!
Christ ist erschienen, uns zu versühnen:
Freue, freue dich, o Christenheit!

O du fröhliche, o du selige,
gnadenbringende Weihnachtszeit!
Himmlische Heere jauchzen dir Ehre:
Freue, freue dich, o Christenheit!

Süßer die Glocken nie klingen

Süßer die Glocken nie klingen
als zu der Weihnachtszeit:
'Sist als ob Engelein singen
wieder von Frieden und Freud'.
Wie sie gesungen in seliger Nacht.
Wie sie gesungen in seliger Nacht.
Glocken mit heiligem Klang,
klinget die Erde entlang!

Oh, wenn die Glocken erklingen,
schnell sie das Christkindlein hört;
tut sich vom Himmel dann schwingen
eilig hernieder zur Erd'.
Segnet den Vater, die Mutter, das Kind.
Segnet den Vater, die Mutter, das Kind.
Glocken mit heiligem Klang.

Klinget mit lieblichem Schalle
über die Meere noch weit,
dass sich erfreuen doch alle
seliger Weihnachtszeit.
Alle aufjauchzen mit herrlichem Sang.
Alle aufjauchzen mit herrlichem Sang.
Glocken mit heiligem Klang.

Poi Twirling

2008-11-15T21:19:00.002-05:00

I really want to learn how to do this. Like I need another hobby....

Home of Poi
Art of Poi
Fire Poi
Play Poi
Glowsticking
DoMorePoi

Religion vs Spirituality

2008-11-14T00:35:00.003-05:00

How do I get myself into these arguments??? I must attract the religious crazies. Is that a good thing or bad thing??? So here is the gist of the "discussion" I had with someone a bit ago.

Religious Crazy (RC): Well, if you don't believe in God then what religion do you practice?

Me: I am a member of our local UU congregation and consider myself a UU but that doesn't define my beliefs. I prefer to refer to my beliefs as spirituality instead of religion. I don't really like "religion".

RC: I'm confused? Your beliefs ARE your religion. It is the same thing as spirituality. How can you have one without the other?

Me: Easy, they are NOT the same thing!

RC: Yes they are.

Me: They might be for you, but for me they hold distinct differences and I would prefer to never "practice" a religion. I prefer to develop my spirituality.

The conversation came to a screeching halt as the RC spent the next hour scratching her head trying to understand what I was saying. The response I finally got was...

RC: I don't really understand what you are saying but I will be praying for you!!

Oh yippie!! (Actually I do believe in the power of prayer mainly because it almost always is positive in nature and I believe in the power of positive thinking.)

So for all you religious crazies out there, and the regular crazies too, let me elaborate on the topic of religion vs. spirituality...

Religion and spirituality are totally different animals! They are often billed as the same thing. That isn’t the case and they are not dependent on one another. One can be spiritual and not have any affiliation with religion and one can be a devout follower of religion but have no spirituality of which to speak. The problem with religion is that people depend too heavily on it. People buy into the dogma and never really examine what it means, why it exists or how it relates to the World around them. This is where people miss out on spirituality. Religion is easy, spirituality takes work.

Religion requires us to follow as set of rules that were written by someone else. Religion tells us these rules are right because the ‘supreme being of choice’ said so. Religion tells us that there is no need for us to examine their validity because that has been done for us. As long as we follow the rules religion has set forth, then we are free of condemnation for the results of our actions.

Spirituality, on the other hand, requires us to get in touch with our World, cultivate our knowledge, enlighten ourselves and develop our own rules. Spirituality then holds us responsible for how the rules we developed affect the World. Spirituality does not tell us if our rules are correct. That is for us to discover. Spirituality encourages us to continually evaluate our rules and change them if they need adjusting. Spirituality is an ongoing experience, nothing is set in stone. Spirituality requires us to do the work for ourselves. It requires us to think.

Religion eliminates the need for us to get in touch with our governing energy, be it called God, Goddess, Spirit, Creator, etc. Religion provides us with "trained and educated clergy" whose job it is to get in touch with the governing energy and help the lay people to understand. Spirituality requires each of us to shut up and listen to what our specific governing energy is trying to tell us. Religion has caused us to loose touch with the energies that are there to help guide us while we develop our rule book.

After all, the rule book is already written for religion. Spirituality just provides us with blank paper, a pencil and a bottle of white-out because, while religion feels it is infallible, spirituality understands that the search for the correct set of rules is a never ending journey that is bound to takes us on a few wrong turns in the process.

Just one more week until the deadline!!!

2008-11-11T23:00:00.002-05:00

*****Please pass this info on to any West Volusia Homeschooling families that you know!*****

This years theme for the Homeschool Display at the Deland Fall Festival of Art is Found Object Art Sculptures.

A quick review of the rules... The Deland Fall Festival of Art Youth Art Exhibit is open to K-12 students of LEGAL school age that reside in WEST Volusia County only. Please contact me if you need clarification of the boundaries of West Volusia County or legal school age requirements. Specific entry details are below.

Here are a few links to get your imagination going.
http://foundobjectarts.com/default.aspx
http://www.artgrange.com/michellesculpture.html
http://www.artgrange.com/natewire.html
http://foundobjectart.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Found_art
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76786555@N00/sets/72157600070788809
http://www.aquirkofart.com/

Things to consider when creating your entry:
1. Sculptures must be hung or displayed on small tables.

2. If at all possible, design your project to be hung. This will make displaying them easier!

3. Keep weight considerations in mind. If something is very heavy it will need to be displayed on a table and must be designed accordingly. Table space will be at a premium! Not to mention I have to carry all of these!!

4. Be sure to secure all of your pieces well. These will have to be transported, hung, judged and viewed for two days, taken down and then transported again. Please make sure everything is secured well. I will bring glue with me when I set things up just in case something comes off but I would prefer not to have to fix anything!!

5. All 3-D entries should be no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches. All 2-D entries should be no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches.

6. I MUST know no later than November 10th how many 3-D entries we will have. (I don't need the project by then, just need to know what to expect.)

7. A 3-D entry is defined as one that MUST sit on a table. A 2-D entry is defined as one that can be hung.

8. All entries must be into me no later than November 17th. My contact information is below. Call me to make arrangements for drop off or pick up. If you are a member of WVHSart then I will post where I will be the week before so you can meet up with me at community events if you would like.

9. Each entry must include the child's full name (only first will be displayed), age, grade level if they were in school, the name of the piece, parents name and contact information (contact information will not be displayed and is for my use only). Please put this info on a separate piece of paper, not on the entry itself.

10. Presentation is an important part of your entry so please take the display of your piece into account. If it is a 3-D piece, how will is sit, hang, stand, lean, etc? If it is a 2-D piece consider a background so the piece doesn't blend in with the display board. As usual I am going to recommend a black background or mat for purposes of cohesiveness. (I will not be mounting entries this year as in the past, sorry! If you need to borrow mat cutting tools you are welcome to though.)

Please contact me if you have any further questions or to arrange drop off of your entry. My email is amseiler @ earthlink . net (remove spaces) and my phone number is 407-595-1094. Also please join our Yahoo group for future event planning. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WVHSart/)

I'm selling myself to the circus...

2008-11-11T20:46:00.004-05:00

I played 'balloon babe' to my favorite pink haired clown tonight. Makes you wonder what else you don't know about me, doesn't it???

Shh, don't tell anyone. I can juggle too. (Well, I used to be able to. It's been a long time!! Okay,I am off to see how out of practice I am...)

You Know You're a Homeschooler When... (Part 4)

2008-11-11T09:55:00.003-05:00

…you receive deliveries from PaperBackSwap more often than you receive bills.

…it is not uncommon for your UPS man to deliver Petri dishes or dissection specimens.

…you are known at Radio Shack as “that lady” because you do all the “wacky projects”. They didn’t even bat an eye when I came in looking for LEDs so I could add lights to a hula hoop.

…your 9 year old chooses to go as a Greek God for Halloween and you don’t realize how odd that is until random people start asking you if you homeschool after seeing him.

…it irritates you to no end when someone misspells 'curriculum'. (Seriously people, SPELL CHECK IS YOUR FRIEND!!!)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Another Revisit

2008-11-09T14:00:00.001-05:00

Behavior Labeling

If an adult is reinforced for behaving, we call it recognition.
If a child is reinforced for behaving, we call it bribery.

If an adult laughs, we call it socializing.
If a child laughs, we call it misbehaving.

If an adult writes in a book, we call it doodling.
If a child writes in a book, we call it destroying property.

If an adult sticks to something, we call it perseverance.
If a child sticks to something, we call it stubbornness.

If an adult seeks help, we call it consultation.
If a child seeks help, we call it whining.

If an adult is not paying attention, we call it preoccupation.
If a child is not paying attention, we call it being distracted.

If an adult tells his side of the story, we call it clarification.
If a child tells his side of the story, we call it talking back.

Something to think about!

I have posted this before but felt it warrented a revisit...

2008-11-09T13:58:00.002-05:00

Children Learn What They Live

I found this on another blog and thought it was great!

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive,

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves,

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

But do not despair ...

If a child lives with tolerance, they learn to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If a child lives with praise, they learn to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness, they live with justice.

If a child lives with security, they live to have faith.

If a child lives with approval, they learn to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship.

they learn to find love in the world.

— Dorothy Law Nolte

Vision Boards

2008-11-09T13:47:00.004-05:00

Sorry folks, you are on your own this year. I decided to do my Vision Board digitally this year. A late night bout of insomnia and spark of creativity helped with that decision.

After that I printed it on some shrinky dink paper I have for the ink jet. They turned out awesome. I don't know what I will do with them yet. I may make the smallest one into a necklace.

I am so glad I carry my camera with me at all times...

2008-11-08T22:02:00.004-05:00

I think he had fun at drum circle! Of course it would be swell if he had kept his seat belt on properly. But the drum...she's buckled in perfectly!!!

Reasons why the English language is so hard to learn:

2008-11-08T01:38:00.001-05:00

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to
present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail
18) After a number of injections my jaw got number.
19) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
20) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
21) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

Quicksand works slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend. If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it? Is it an
odd, or an end?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man
and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

This is for you Carey...

2008-11-07T23:45:00.001-05:00

Yes, I STILL have Halloween decorations up!!!

If you're curious...

2008-11-07T23:21:00.001-05:00

Just do the right thing in your affairs;
The rest will take care of itself.

~Goethe

Lady of the Lakes Ren Faire

2008-11-07T22:04:00.011-05:00

The Joust

I want this at home!

Fencing Lesson

One Word

2008-11-07T21:43:00.003-05:00

Where is your mobile phone? ear
Where is your significant other? computer
Your hair colour? blonde
Your mother? bitch
Your father? somewhere
Your favourite thing? children
Your dream last night? fun
Your dream goal? balance
The room you're in? livingroom
Your hobby? kids
Your fear? unloved
Where do you want to be in 6 years? healthy
Where were you last night? computer
What you're not? content
One of your wish-list items? books (duh!!)
Where you grew up? Grandma's
The last thing you did? email
What are you wearing? clothes
Your TV? distracting
Your pets? psychotic
Your computer? old
Your mood? pissy
Missing someone? yes
Your car? boxy
Something you're not wearing? shoes
Favourite shop? bookstore
Your summer? suckish
Love someone? definately
Your favourite colour? green
When is the last time you laughed? phone
When is the last time you cried? August

Here is my beloved...

2008-11-07T09:21:00.001-05:00

Seriously, Carey, You have to quit referring to her that way!!! LOL

Balloon Sculptures

2008-11-05T16:14:00.004-05:00

Sword

Dog

Cat

Butterfly

Crown

Don't ask...

2008-11-05T00:55:00.001-05:00

The Jim Show

Frontier Net

Yoyo Guy

Drum Shopping

2008-11-04T13:59:00.002-05:00

No I didn't buy anything. I wanted to but I resisted!! After all I am going on 3 weeks with no drum so I am getting a little twitchy!!! LOL

The boys and I went out to Sam Ash so I could check out the Cajons. I think that is what I want for my birthday. It will serve not only as another drum (becasue I am obsessed!) but also as a drumming stool. I hate ordering drums online so I at least wanted to check out the different front plates before deciding. I am glad I did because the two I am looking at are different heights. The one that sounded better was a bit taller. With my long legs and large Djembe it will probably workout perfectly but it was taller than I expected.

We also got a chance to look at bongos for Drake. Drake was very particular about which one he liked the sound of best. It is probably best that I didn't let him try any of the really expensive ones! I was trying to talk him into a Remo becasue of the synthetic head but he was sold on an LP set. I have to admit, it did sound better than any of the others he played.

Kyllian fell in love with a steel drum. I am going to have to research those a bit more. It was a little pricey but it sounded pretty good, albeit a bit loud.

My djembe should be able to get it's final tuning tonight. I think Sean is afraid to touch it for fear it will split again!!! This is the third head he has put on it since the original head split!!! I have a feeling he will be raising his price after this!! LOL

Now this gives new meaning to playing with your food!!

2008-11-02T11:12:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Carving 2008

2008-10-30T10:00:00.005-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from yesterday...

And I even put one of myself on there...

It's Vision Board Time Again

2008-10-28T17:05:00.003-04:00

I do a Vision Board twice a year, Fall and Spring. Well, guess what, based on the fact that I had to pull out a jacket today, it is Fall! Samhain is also just around the corner, which is usually how I schedule the Vision Board construction date!!

I am still working on when I am going to find the time to do it this year but keep watch and I will post the date soon. I am leaning towards Tuesday the 4th or Tuesday the 11th.

I just spoke with the doctor...

2008-10-28T09:57:00.002-04:00

...and she is out of surgery and in recovery. She still needs a few days of observation and fine tuning but otherwise she is in good shape!! :)

How freaking cool is that!!! Sean is a wizard!!!!! A WIZARD I tell ya'!!

Haunted Hike

2008-10-25T23:41:00.002-04:00

We had lots of fun tonight. I didn't get any pictures while we were there but here is one that K took before we left.

Here is the almighty Zeus and my Ren Faire cleavage! LOL

Witch Way to the Haunted Hike

2008-10-23T22:08:00.003-04:00

Come out and join in on the fun this Saturday from 6 to 10 pm at Gateway Park in Debary. Tickets are $5 each or 4 for $18.

Gateway Park is near the intersection of Saxon Blvd and 17-92. Parking is available at neighboring businesses.

Proceeds benefit the construction of the Gateway Center for the Arts which is slated to open very soon!!

Say a little prayer, do a little dance

2008-10-23T16:32:00.002-04:00

Okay, everyone...

Say a little prayer,
Do a little dance,
Sing a little song,
and
Light a little candle

in hopes that the third time is a charm for re-heading my drum. This time it will work and it will be fabulous!!!!!! :)

This month's featured cocktail...

2008-10-23T15:11:00.005-04:00

There are days that I feel like we are spinning the Psychotropic Wheel of Pharmacology and just taking whatever we land on.

tck, tck, tck, tck, tck, tck....and you landed on Strattera! Is there 'peace and quiet' Pat?? Vanna please show us the 'peace and quiet'!

I did actually get some input into this month's cocktail (did I mention I like our new doctor?).

So we are phasing out the Depakote, increasing the Geodone and adding Strattera. Doc was going to add Tenex. Luckily I remembered before we left that Tenex was the med that gave Ky nonstop nose bleeds.

Pat, I'd like to spin again! tck, tck, tck, tck,
tck, tck....

So that means we are still on 3 meds, 4 if you count the Melatonin.

Doc was also very generous with the samples this month. Good thing since the Geodone and Strattera will run around $80 a month. That is on top of the other meds and co-pays! Which is fine if it works, but if it doesn't....

tck, tck, tck, tck, tck, tck....Ooooohhh sorry, you landed on bankrupt!!

Rawfeeding is a thing of the past

2008-10-22T21:53:00.002-04:00

I just can't do it anymore. Paisley has been a nightmare to feed lately. She makes the biggest mess with her food. I shouldn't have to mop the house everytime she eats. I also can not afford to feed a 100 pound dog raw anymore. It used to be cheaper to go raw but with the rise in food costs that is not the case anymore.

So tomorrow I will be hitting the feed store and picking up kibble.

I feel like such a horrible pet owner but I can't do raw anymore. Perhaps again in the future when things aren't as financially tight....

Evolution of Dance

2008-10-21T19:30:00.001-04:00

Sad thing is I recognize most of these!!!

Just let kids be kids.....

2008-10-21T10:18:00.002-04:00

I know it is that time of year again but if one more person poses the question about what to do with their toddler I might not be very PC in my response. (Cuz we all know how concerned I am about that!! LOL)

You are in luck. I don't have time for a full on rant about this topic so here are some thought provoking questions for you....

Are you really all that bad off because you didn't read until second grade?

Is your existence some how hindered because your mom didn't find some way to make every flipping second of your toddlerhood a "learning experience"?

Was your intellectual development stunted because you didn't start school until Kindergarten?

Do you really think that those first 5 or 7 years of your life were a completely wasted span of time?

Chances are you answered no to all of those questions. Guess what???? Your children ARE NO DIFFERENT!!!! It is not necessary to have your child doing academics at 3, 4 or even 7. If they are responsive to it then great but don't feel like you are failing them by not providing them with "quality learning experiences".

Just let the poor kid be a kid.

The Drum Doctor

2008-10-20T19:20:00.003-04:00

My poor sick drum went to the drum doctor today. She should be all patched up and ready to play tomorrow. Hopefully!!!

The split goat skin head is being replaced with a clear mylar head. That will have a red mylar frog inlaid into it. The inside of the drum has been painted purple and four little frogs representing Earth, Air, Fire and Water have been decoupaged inside. (How pagan of me! LOL) I am still debating on what I am going to do for Spirit. I am hoping that once I get it back it will all be clear. I am considering the Hopi spiral hand print on the outside but I am not sure.

I am really anxious to hear what it sounds like. The mylar will sound different than the goat skin. It should be a little deeper. The benefit of the mylar is that I can play outside in the middle of a hurricane and I don't have to worry about humidity or moisture. (FTR, I do not recommend playing drums outside in the middle of a hurricane!!)

Now I am off to find her a new resting spot so she doesn't get knocked over again!!!

K and my new Blinged Out Hoop!!

2008-10-16T22:26:00.000-04:00

Peace Out, Yo!

Dang it!!

2008-10-15T10:33:00.004-04:00

Okay, so not the 4 letter word I thought (didn't say, I am very proud of myself).

So have you ever wondered what happens to a drum head when you combine a psychotic dog, gravity, about a weeks time and ample humidity??

This happens...

What is the best way to homeschool?

2008-10-13T18:30:00.002-04:00

So is there a "perfect" way to homeschool? Well, anyone that knows me, knows where I am going with this. For those that don't, let me continue...

YES, there is a perfect method to homeschool! Not what you were thinking I would say?? Hang on a minute and let me elaborate.

My method of homeschooling is the perfect way to homeschool!! It is the only method anyone should use. What is that method and why do I think it is so perfect? Well, it is perfect because my method will fit every learning style, fit into everyone's schedule and fill in any and all educational 'gaps'.

And what do I call this perfect homeschooling method??? Wait for it....

The Whatever Works Method (TM)

Okay, it isn't really trademarked, but I am considering it!!! Seriously though, people get so caught up in the "right" way to do things that they forget that every single solitary child is different. Just because Charlotte Mason worked for your dear friend Susie and her 5 amazing children doesn't mean that it will work for you and your children. Just because Unschooling is the perfect approach for Martha and her boys doesn't mean that it is the perfect fit for you. Find what works for your individual child and for your family and quit stressing over what to call yourself!!

So, at the risk of repeating myself, The Whatever Works Method (TM) is the perfect homeschooling method. Adopt it, Live it, BE it!!!! Hey, maybe I should write a book. Heck, everyone else is!!!!

Notable Events :)

2008-10-12T23:18:00.002-04:00

Nov
Florida Pirate Festival
Lady of the Lakes Ren Fair

Jan
Hoggetowne Medieval Fair

Feb
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Bay Area Ren Fest

Movin' On Up!

2008-10-11T15:36:00.008-04:00

The hermies got a new tank set up today. They graduated to a 20high aquarium.

Start with a shiny new tank...

Fill with 100 pounds of sand (clean and raked with a magnet of course)...

Add 2 gallons of de-chlorinated water and mix well (not easy, btw)...

A fresh water dish with sponges for humidity control...

Some salt water dishes...

A few things to climb on...

Relocated hermies...

New and larger shells and a food dish...

Fresh food...

Decorative stones and special food (because my pets are spoiled!)...

Lid and a froggie to keep an eye on things....

Vindicated

2008-10-10T13:07:00.002-04:00

My feeling that Kyllian was mis-labeled autistic was vindicated today. Our new therapist disagrees with the autism Dx. He is the first person that has dared to say, "Hey, maybe this isn't right!!".

Kyllian definitely has some tendencies toward autism, mostly relating to social behavior. However, those could be linked to his impulse control issues just as much as autism. Not to mention I have never been a social butterfly and K is still in his cocoon! (Is that a 'nature' or 'nurture' thing! LOL)

It was nice to not be talked down to or 'patted on the head' when I said I questioned the autism Dx.

At the momment we are back to a Dx of severe ADHD with tendencies toward ODD, OCD and SPD.

Just a couple more initials and we will have the whole alphabet covered!! LOL

I guess I can pull the '1 in 150' quote out of my sig line!

To Teach or Not To Teach

2008-10-07T22:58:00.003-04:00

Or in other words, The Role of the Homeschooling Parent....

As I have stated numerous times before, I do not consider myself a teacher and don't consider what I do "teaching". Instead I look at my roll in this journey as a 'facilitator'. I am there to guide.

The way I look at it, a teacher is a person that imparts information to their student or students. A teacher studies a subject, learns all they can about it and then instructs others in what they have learned.

This is not what I do. My job is to make sure that my children have the tools and means to learn and accomplish whatever it is they desire and to do so for themselves. A teacher is not required for learning. People learn things all of the time without the benefit (or hindrance, depending on how you look at it) of a teacher.

For an example, let's look at Drake's current topic of choice. He is all about Greek Mythology right now.

So, if I was a teacher I would spend the next few weeks studying and learning everything I could about Greek Mythology. Then I would sit Drake down and tell him everything I learned. After that, assuming he was still interested, we would try to fit in a project or create some artwork. If there was time, assuming there was some lingering amount of interest, we would take a field trip. That all sounds good except for the fact I have made Drake wait two weeks for information he craves right now. Heck, who knows what he will be interested in two weeks from now!!! This is passive learning. Delayed passive learning at that!

However, as a facilitator we would probably skip straight to the projects, art and field trips. We would keep the interest piqued while hunting down every book we can find. We would learn as we go. Drake would read everything he could on Greek Mythology and tell me about what he learned. In essence, Drake becomes the teacher and I, the pupil. Drake has an active role in his learning.

A passive learner retains only a small percentage of the information they are given. When the child takes an active role in learning, then information is internalized, assimilated and understood in a manor no amount of 'teaching' can match.

So to answer the question, to teach or not to teach...

I chose NOT.

I'm Boycotting Christmas

2008-10-07T16:05:00.002-04:00

Seriously, I am already over the commercialization of a religious holiday that I don't even celebrate AND IT IS ONLY OCTOBER!!!!

This year we will celebrate Yule with a big party for family and friends. Everyone will be informed that we will not be exchanging gifts. If they insist on buying the boys something, and they likely will, I am going to ask that they keep it very small and relatively practical. It's not like they won't have another opportunity 3 months after Christmas to shower them with cheap plastic crap!! (Especially since this is an even birthday year! Which means an insanely huge party for those of you that aren't in the loop.)

You know you're a homeschooler when... (What is this, Take 3??)

2008-10-07T12:49:00.005-04:00

...your seven year old does his math by calculating what plates are needed on the barbell to reach the desired weight. (Since I only have 5 and 10 pound plates this can involve a lot of math!! LOL)

...you end your Sunday nature hikes by mounting slides and checking them out under the microscope instead of heading to the playground. (Yes, we are the geeks in the corner of Gemini with the microscope!)

...your 9 year old officially knows more about Greek mythology than you do and it is all from a video game. (Man there are some cool PC games out now!!! I foresee World of Warcraft making it's way into our house!)

...your 7 year old builds a working model to scale of a crossbow, complete with bolts and sight out of legos. (Dear Goddess, what will he break first!!!!)

...you have enough legos for your 7 year old to build a working model to scale of a crossbow, complete with bolts and sight.

...your 7 and 9 year old have a heated debate over which skill is more important, addition or multiplication. (They each had some interesting points.)

...your 7 year old points out that your decorative spiders that you just put up for Halloween are not anatomically correct.

...your 9 year old discovers MacGyver videos on YouTube and you threaten his life if he shows them to your 7 year old for fear of what said 7 year old might be inspired to disassemble. (NOOOOO Disassemble!!!!! Sorry, the reference was needed!! LOL)

ETA...
...you are horrified to discover that you have misused your and you're in this ENTIRE series and none of your loyal readers were nice enough to point that out!!!!!! :P

Do you have to be smart to homeschool?

2008-10-04T15:48:00.003-04:00

First of all, what does smart mean? It means different things to different people. Sure I could whip out the American Heritage but people would still argue about it!!

I know a few highly educated people that hold several degrees. Does this make them qualified to homeschool? Not necessarily! In fact these particular people are probably the last people that should venture into the world of homeschooling!! (I guess there is no question about my feelings on the statement, "Everyone can homeschool." NOT!!!!)

I also know a few people that never graduated highschool. Does this make them un-qualified to homeschool? Not necessarily!

The general public tends to associate fancy documents with intelligence!! That's not how it works folks!

I graduated highschool with an honors diploma, a 3.86 GPA and the president of the German Honors Society. I currently speak about 50 words of German (many of which shouldn't be spoken in mixed company!) and feel like a moron every time the boys and I sit down and work on History! A lot of good those fancy documents do me.

I attended college at a major state university and have enough credit hours for 2 Master's degrees. Although, I never actually earned a college degree because I was too busy taking all the cool classes and none of the "important" classes.

I consider myself a smart person.

What about this makes me smart? My fancy diploma? My IQ? My college credits? What about this makes me qualified to homeschool?

The ability to homeschool is less about the knowledge and education you have and more about your ability to find out the information that is needed. I prefer to think of the homeschooling parent as a facilitator of knowledge instead of a teacher of knowledge. If you know how to find the information and you impart that knowledge to your children then EVERYTHING else is obtainable.

It is not about how much you know. It is about how much you are able to find out.

Calling All West Volusia Homeschoolers!!!

2008-10-02T08:58:00.001-04:00

If your child is of legal school age and you live in West Volusia County please head over to WVHSart Yahoo Group and hop on our mailing list. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WVHSart/

We will begin planning the homeschool art display very shortly for the Deland Fall Festival of Arts. Last year one of our students took home honorable mention!!!

Please pass this on to anyone you know in West Volusia County.

October's Reading

2008-09-29T16:53:00.002-04:00

Well, August and September's reading list got a bit sidelined when I discovered a box of books I thought had been lost in my move from Arizona. Instead of reading the original list I have been flipping through these.

Now I have read all of these but it was forever and a day ago so it was really neat to read back through them.

On the list for October, is the rest of Jules Verne (as you can see by the bookmark, I didn't get very far), the rest of Mary Poppins, Redwall, Kingdom Keepers (all books I want Drake to read soon), the rest of Nourishing Wisdom (which is for church and not a bad book if you have screwed up views on food) and finally Stories and Stone (the only book in my secret box that I don't remember reading).

It's Vocabulary Lesson Time

2008-09-29T16:28:00.004-04:00

Now listen up class and pay attention. Today we are going to learn a very important word!!!

secu·lar (sek′yə lər)

adjective

1. of or relating to worldly things as distinguished from things relating to church and religion; not sacred or religious; temporal; worldly

Now that isn't so hard is it?? Evidently it is!

"Distinguished from things relating to church or religion". Secular does not mean we tolerate all kinds of religious ramblings. It means that we don't tolerate ANY kind of religious rambling. I don't preach to you about my gods. Don't preach to me about your God! And for Goddess sake, don't do it in an openly secular forum!!!

Okay, rant over. Thanks for playing!

Hello, My name is Ann-Marie....

2008-09-29T08:57:00.003-04:00

...and I am addicted to PaperBackSwap.

It all started when someone on MDC mentioned free books. I had always been interested in books, so the thought of free books was very inviting. Then I had to part with some of my old books in order to get free books. But, still, parting with my old used up books to get some fresh new books was very difficult to resist.

Then I discovered book credits. I started just using a book credit occasionally, just when I needed something. Then I began using book credits more often, a couple times a week.

Then the books credits became too tempting but they gave me great comfort. I knew I could always rely on my book credits to fill that literary gap that Barnes N Noble had failed to. I bought book credits in large numbers and used them daily, sometimes two or three a day.

My mailman was the first to notice my problem. He expressed his concern for my growing book credit habit by mutilating the occasional book that didn't fit properly into my mailbox. My children were the next to notice. "Mommy, you got another book today. That will make one for everyday this week!!"

My name is Ann-Marie and it has been 9 hours and 14 minutes since I used a book credit!

Das Kleine Krokodil

2008-09-28T21:58:00.001-04:00

Ich bin Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil.
Komm aus Ägypten, das liegt direkt am Nil.
Zuerst das ich in einem Ei,
dann schni-,schna-,schnappte ich mich frei

[ Refrain ]
Schni Schna Schnappi
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp
Schni Schna Schnappi
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp
Ich bin Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil,
hab scharfe Zähne, und
davon ganz schön viel.
Ich schnapp mir was ich schnappen kann,
ja schnapp zu, weil
ich das so gut kann.

[ Refrain ]
Schni Schna Schnappi
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp
Schni Schna Schnappi
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/hBp ]
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp
Ich bin Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil,
ich schnappe gern, das ist
mein Lieblingsspiel.
Ich schleich mich an die Mama ran,
und zeig ihr wie ich schnappen kann

[ Refrain ]
Schni Schna Schnappi
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp
Schni Schna Schnappi
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp
Ich bin Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil,
und vom Schnappen, da krieg
ich nicht zu viel.
Ich beiß dem Papi kurz ins Bein,
und dann, dann schlaf ich einfach ein.

[ Outro ]
Schni Schna Schnappi
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp (schnapp!)
Schni Schna Schnappi (ja!)
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp (schnapp!)
Schni Schna Schnappi (mhmm!)
Schnappi Schnappi Schnapp (ja!)
Schni Schna Schnappi
Schnappi (hmm) Schnappi Schnapp

Everyone needs ein klein Quietsceentchen

2008-09-28T21:45:00.004-04:00

Don't assume I share your prejudices!!

2008-09-28T19:09:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite bumperstickers!! (Of course if you have seen my fridge then you know I have a lot of favorites, LOL.)

I had the joy of dealing with one of those people we all love. You know, the one that assumes that because you homeschool you must be a militant right wing conservative! If you know me, I am just about as opposite as you can get. I do understand the stereotyping that goes with homeschooling. Even in 2008, half the people we run into assume we are Christian. (My husband's name is Kristian. Does that count? Of course, he is a militant atheist! And of course there is the S-word. But that deserves it's own post.)

Being that it is election time, the prejudicial emails are a-flying. Seriously, if I get one more Pro-Life, Anti-Gay Marriage, Traditional Family Value totin' e-mail I might just loose it!!! Actually I did, sort of, today. This one individual, who hopefully doesn't read my blog, is constantly sending me emails that, quite frankly, are offensive.

Today was the last straw; I politely asked to be removed from said person's address book so I would no longer receive any more of these e-mails. The response I received went something like this...."I thought you would like to be kept abreast of the threats to the very way of life people like you and me hold dear." (I have actually corrected for grammar!!)

Don't assume I share your prejudices!!

Just don't! Seriously, it will make things a whole lot less embarrassing for you at some point!!! The particular e-mail that prompted my request was related to gay marriage. How on Earth does legalizing gay marriage effect the 'very way of life I hold dear'? Can someone please explain to me how this works? I still don't get it!!

All because I am on a homeschooling e-mail list. Which, ironically enough, is a secular list??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

How much longer until the election is over???

FTR, I was very nice in my follow up e-mail but there was definitely no question as to where I stood on the subject!

The Ketchup Song

2008-09-25T12:54:00.000-04:00

friday night it's party time
feeling ready looking fine,
viene diego rumbeando,
with the magic in his eyes
checking every girl in sight,
grooving like he does the mambo
he's the man alli en la disco,
playing sexy felling hotter,
he's the king bailando et ritmo ragatanga,
and the dj that he knows well,
on the spot always around twelve,
plays the mix that diego mezcla con la salsa,
y la baila and he dances y la canta

Chorus:
aserej ja de j de jebe tu de jebere seibiunouva,
majavi an de bugui an de buididipi,
aserej ja de j de jebe tu de jebere seibiunouva,
majavi an de bugui an de buididipi

many think its brujeria,
how he comes and disappears,
every move will hypnotize you,
some will call it chuleria,
others say that its the real,
rastafari afrogitano

he's the man alli en la disco,
playing sexy felling hotter,
he's the king bailando et ritmo ragatanga,
and the dj that he knows well,
on the spot always around twelve,
plays the mix that diego mezcla con la salsa,
y la baila and he dances y la canta

Multitasking at it's best!

2008-09-25T11:41:00.002-04:00

Here was the scene at my desk last night.

I am formatting some personal artwork, which at a file size of 1.5 gigs takes it's dear sweet time to do anything.

In between formatting that, I am fletching arrows. (Which, incidentally, for those of you who read my MySpace status line, is what I was doing when I cut myself with a razor blade. Striking bone feels weird! LOL) Since I am fletching with real feathers, I have to wait 5 minutes between each feather (there are 3 per arrow for those who don't know).

In between waiting for the most toxic glue I have ever used to set and the file formating, I am working on a broomstick lace scarf (that's crochet if you are curious). Because of my thumb, I can only do one row before I need to rest.

And to round out the greatest multitasking moment I have had in a long time, I am painting my nails one by one in between all of this.

I Wanna Make One of These!!!

2008-09-25T11:35:00.001-04:00

Bottle greenhouse adds sustainibility to harvesting

This "Bottle House" created by artist Jasmine Zimmerman is an open-roofed greenhouse made from hundreds of the plastic drink bottles that we use 70 million of everyday. The project will be exhibited in empty lots, rooftops, parks, and vacant buildings in order to spread the word about recycling and reporposing everyday objects in our environment. Pretty cool design that might just be a bit tricky to keep clean.

PaperBackSwap Anonomous

2008-09-24T17:42:00.004-04:00

Do they have such a thing?? If not maybe I should start one. I am a total junkie, man!! Just one more credit, I swear I can stop after that!!!!

I think my mail man hates me at this point. And he takes it out on my books. Perhaps I should put up a larger mailbox??? LOL I have received a book everyday for the last 3 weeks. Not that I am complaining but I can only imagine the 4 and 5 letter words that the mailman thinks as he is cramming yet another book in my mailbox.

By the way, my mailman is a wizard!! He can fit a book inside the mailbox that is bigger than the opening!!! It really is amazing!!! (And I wonder why the darn thing doesn't close right!!)

Feel Good Emotions

2008-09-23T14:10:00.003-04:00

People say that there are good and bad emotions. For me, emotions are just emotions. It is want you do with those emotions, how you allow them to affect you and how they direct your actions that count. Those emotions that have been deemed “bad” have gotten a bum wrap. Is anger really all that bad? There are plenty of things to be angry about in this world. Is guilt really all that bad? If you are guilty doesn’t that tell you something? Is fear really all that bad? Doesn’t fear have a usefulness?

People constantly try to push away or ignore those emotions that they view as “bad”. I think the reaction to an emotion is far more important. Being angry at someone, in and of itself, is not bad. That person did something to elicit the emotion you are feeling. Ignoring the emotion or pretending it is something it is not is denying yourself of the full potential of the experience. It is denying yourself of the full potential for personal growth. It is the way you channel that feeling that is good or bad. The feeling, itself, is neutral.

For an example from a recent blog post…I became so angered at someone that I literally threw something at them. (It was just in their direction!). It was not the best way to handle the situation. There were many other options. I allowed my emotion of anger to elicit a bad action. This response to my anger is what is bad. The anger, itself, is neutral. On the flip side, if I am angered by some social injustice and I take part in an effort to correct it, I am reacting to my anger in a good way. The anger, itself, is still neutral.

If I feel guilty for something I did, the guilt is just another feeling. It is how I act on that guilt that is good or bad. Am I going to continue to do whatever it is that created the emotion of guilt? Not recognizing guilt and not being open to what guilt is trying to tell you is bad. The guilt, itself, is neutral. Am I going to try to make the situation right? Am I going to make it a point to never do it again? Understanding what guilt is trying to tell you and learning from the experience is good. The guilt, itself, is still neutral.

Fear is an interesting emotion.In many cases we do not even understand the nature of the emotion yet it is so strong that is can overwhelm us. I am terrified of tight spaces. Don’t care for elevators and have to be sedated for an MRI. (I don’t care how “open” the darn thing is!!) I also don’t feel comfortable in large crowds. I can not deny that I have this fear. I have no rational reason for it; it is just there! However my fear is not “bad”. It is just an emotion. It is how I allow my fear to affect my life that is important. Am I going to miss the once in a lifetime concert because I am fearful of crowds? Am I going to miss out on a great experience because I am fearful of tight spaces? Allowing fear to deny you of experience is bad. The fear, itself, is neutral. Yet, fear can also help make you aware of dangerous situations and help you be cautious when caution is prudent. The fear, itself, is still neutral.

For contrast, let’s look at am emotion that is generally deemed “good”. What about happiness? Can happiness ever be “bad”? Happiness can sometimes have a very blinding effect on people. Take this theoretical example, a woman has just found out she is pregnant. She is ecstatic. She could not be happier. It is all she can think about and all she can talk about. Unfortunately, she has been blinded by her happiness and forgets that her friend’s son just died. The upset her happiness has caused her to, unintentionally, inflict on her friend is bad. Happiness, itself, is neutral.

So to categorize emotions as good and bad is pointless. Instead we should focus on what those emotions make us do or say. Be more aware of the result of your emotions. How do those emotions effect your decisions? How do they effect your actions? What choices do you make because of them? What lessons do you learn from them? You might be amazed at how different your outlook is once you accept your emotions and examine the effect they have on the whole.

My new light

2008-09-22T10:49:00.001-04:00

Isn't it pretty! Not my usual taste in fixtures but....

You know you're a homeschooler when... (Part Zwei)

2008-09-19T15:50:00.004-04:00

...you randomly switch to German while typing the title to your blog post! LOL

...you have enough musical instruments to outfit a small band. Seriously, it is not normal (not that I have been accused of that lately) to have as many instruments as I do. I didn't even know I had this many. 2 violins (5 if you count the antiques, but I won't even let the kids breathe on those!), 2 guitars, 3 recorders, pan flute, clay ocarina, 4 drums, 2 tamborines and more hand percussion instruments than you can shake a drum stick at. Although I have no drum sticks! That doesn't even include the mallets and shakers I keep for SLC!!! Playgroups are very noisy at my house!!

...your children do math problems in the layer of dust on the TV screen.

...your 7 year old complains that you don't have enough books. According to Library Thing we have 831 and there about 50 that I am too lazy to enter manually. We, most definitely, need more!!! LOL

...you have dissection tools drying on the window sill.

...a discussion of philosophy with your 7 year old leaves you more confused than you were when you started.

...you introduce yourself to a new person and they go, "OH! YOOOUURRR Ann-Marie." (I swear, whatever you heard, it isn't true!! :) )

Rock N Roll Radio by the Ramones

2008-09-18T20:02:00.002-04:00

Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go

Do you remember Hullabaloo,
Upbeat, Shinding and Ed Sullivan too?
Do you remember rock'n'roll radio?
Do you remember rock'n'roll radio?

Do you remember Murray the K,
Alan Freed, and high energy?
It's the end, the end of the 70's
It's the end, the end of the century

Do you remember lying in bed
With your covers pulled up over your head?
Radio playin' so no one can see
We need change, we need it fast
Before rock's just part of the past
'Cause lately it all sounds the same to me
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh

Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go

Do you remember Jerry Lee,
John Lennon, T. Rex and The Animals Too?
It's the end, the end of the 70's
It's the end, the end of the century

Do you remember lying in bed
With your covers pulled up over your head?
Radio playin' so no one can see
We need change, we need it fast
Before rock's just part of the past
'Cause lately it all sounds the same to me
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh

Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go
Rock'n, rock'n'roll radio Let's go

I Wanna Be Sedated by the Ramones

2008-09-18T19:48:00.003-04:00

Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go I wanna be sedated
Nothin' to do and no where to go-o-oh I wanna be sedated
Just get me to the airport put me on a plane
Hurry hurry hurry before I go insane
I can't control my fingers I can't control my brain
Oh no no no no no

Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go I wanna be sedated
Nothin' to do and no where to go-o-oh I wanna be sedated
Just put me in a wheelchair and get me on a plane
Hurry hurry hurry before I go insane
I can't control my fingers I can't control my brain
Oh no no no no no

Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go I wanna be sedated
Nothin' to do and no where to go-o-o I wanna be sedated
Just put me in a wheelchair get me to the show
Hurry hurry hurry before I go loco
I can't control my fingers I can't control my toes
Oh no no no no no

Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go I wanna be sedated
Nothin' to do and no where to go-o-o I wanna be sedated
Just put me in a wheelchair get me to the show
Hurry hurry hurry before I go loco
I can't control my fingers I can't control my toes
Oh no no no no no

Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba I wanna be sedated
Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba I wanna be sedated
Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba I wanna be sedated
Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba I wanna be sedated

199.4

2008-09-17T17:38:00.001-04:00

I don't normally post Health and Fitness stuff over here but I am totally excited!!! The scale broke 200 today. My weigh in was 199.4!!!!

It's time to party, baby!!!!

Full Moon Drum Circle

2008-09-16T12:58:00.004-04:00

Well, we didn't do any drumming but we had a blast playing in the rain! LOL No, there are no pics of me. I was wearing all white!!! Won't make that mistake again!

Hand over the cash!!! No really, please donate to a good cause!

2008-09-14T22:24:00.001-04:00

The Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's nationwide evening walk. Walkers carry illuminated balloons to celebrate and commemorate the lives touched by cancer. Funds raised will support our mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Your participation will help save lives. Please join us in our fight against blood cancers, as we "light the night" with hope and raise funds to find a cure.

Visit my fund raising page here!!! Pretty Please!

Me Time

2008-09-14T13:50:00.007-04:00

I have been making it a point lately to carve out some very specific "me time". I love my children with all my heart but having a bi-polar child can be very draining. In my constant search for balance, I have realized that I need to have a social life outside of my children. Something or somplace where I don't have to focus on them. Doing something I enjoy just because....

How many of you take the personal time you need? My guess is none of you, or at least very few of you!!

Those of you that say, "I don't have time." need to reexamine your priorities. I am sure there are a few people that can truly say they don't have time. But but for the vast majority of us, a lack of time to do something equates to a lack of making that thing a priority. Yes, I am saying that your priorities are out of whack!! Seriously, how can you be the main caregiver of your family if you can't be a caregiver of yourself. Pick a time every week. Let your family know. Make the arrangements and do something just for yourself.

My day has become Wednesdays. K knows he needs to be home early from work that day because I have something to do. I am starting Belly Dancing every other Wednesday and I have a meeting at church on the alternating Wednesdays. After that I go hang out with a few friends. I also take one Friday night a month for a drum circle and two Saturday nights a month, 2 hours each, for a drum class. It sounds like a lot to some people. It equates to 26 hours a month. The other 690ish hours in a month I spend with my children. Those 26 hours are mine.

I am not sure if K understands my need for "me time". He is a bit anti social and is happy with just hanging out in the garage or going over to a friend's house VERY occasionally. I need more time than that. I accept this and I make it happen. I am healthier, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually because of it.

So what do you do for your "me time"? If you don't have "me time", what are you going to do about it??

The Painful Process!

2008-09-13T21:33:00.007-04:00

As usual, Tom has a horrible sense of time! LOL We were supposed to start at 10:30; it was 1:00 before we started. It was supposed to take around 4 hours; it took 6. Regardless I am MORE THAN thrilled with it.

Here is the stencil before any work was done.

Working on the first wing!

Finishing up the last wing!

Almost done!

Here is a slide show of more pics!

Can you hear me now?

2008-09-11T09:11:00.005-04:00

The Universe that is.

Can you hear the Universe when She speaks? The strange gust of wind, that image that you see over and over again, running into someone too many times, that random event that keeps happening, the string of coincidences that are just too uncanny...

I really feel that the Universe can guide us through life and helps us with decisions if only we are able to clear our minds and open ourselves up so we can hear Her message.

I have found the Universe very talkative lately. Seriously, She won't shut up!!! LOL Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining. I am, however, having a hard time figuring out what She wants me to do with what She is telling me.

Take for instance, my mother showing up at my door. This was about as freaky random as you get. I mean, this is a woman that doesn't feel me or my children are worth the time of day. (I actually think she likes K more than me!) Yet, here she is making an effort, or at least appearing to. Is it wishful thinking on my part (doubtful), my annoying habit of giving EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt (perhaps) or was it the Universe telling me it is time to try again???

I'll be honest, I don't want to try again. I am almost 35 years old. I tried for so long.

So here is my dilemma, Is the Universe trying to tell me that I need to try again? And if She is, WHY???? I try not to question the Universe but....

We are completely different people. We share nothing, except blood, in common. That should be enough but I really don't think it is in this case.

I think I am going to need the Universe's equivalent of a brick up side the head on this one!

FTR, this not the only thing the Universe has been chatting with me about lately. Did I mention She is very talkative lately?

Funny Quote Friday

2008-09-10T09:20:00.001-04:00

I know it isn't Friday but I just found this gem buried in my inbox and didn't want it to go to waste.

50 loonies scattered around the country are just loonies...50 loonies with internet access are a Movement.

I have no idea where it came from so I can't credit an author.

ASL Week 1 Homework

2008-09-09T14:32:00.003-04:00

Here is the fingerspelling chart. Practice the letters, both making them and reading them. Reading is harder. You will almost always be able to spell faster than you can read.

A great way practice is to sit down for 5 minutes and start spelling every word you see. Do that a couple of times a day and your speed will increase drastically. Focus on keeping the flow and tempo smooth. Also be sure not to bounce the letters. That makes it very hard for someone to read. Don't try for speed. Fluency is the key, speed comes later!

Double letters are done one of two ways. Closed handed letters, like A, S, M, etc and doubled by opening the hand and reforming the letter. You do not have to open the hand all the way, just relax back to the neutral position. Open handed letters like L and B are done by maintaining the hand shape and sliding the letter to the right (or left if you are spelling with your left hand).

Remember to practice spelling with both hands.

Try spelling words to another person and vice versa. Reading is much harder to do and requires more practice. When trying to read someone's fingerspelling it is important to approach it in a similar manor as reading the words in a book. If we are reading the word car, we don't read C-A-R. Instead we read ka-ah-rr. Fingerspelling is similar.

There is a really neat fingerspelling tool here. This is great to use in the beginning because you can see things fingered the right way and you can adjust the speed.

If your hands start to get sore, stop. Fingerspelling is very hard on the hands. Far more so that signing words.

For an extra challegne, try learning the song for next time.

Holy Unwelcomed Visitor Batman!

2008-09-09T13:43:00.005-04:00

I had the most unusual visitor today. I am so glad I was not here alone (Thank you Laura and Wendy, sorry you were so uncomfortable, that make's three of us!). So who was it you ask?

MY MOTHER and her husband!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They were in the area and decided to stop by and say hi.

She can't pick up a phone and call me. She can't be bothered by her grand children. She can't trust in my ability to make decent decisions (because hers is so stellar!). She just can't.

BUT, she can show up on my door step unannounced. I suppose I should be grateful that she made the gesture. Lord knows it is more than she has done since Grandma died. (That was July of '05 for those of you that want to know how long it has been since she bothered.)

She did, of course get in the obligatory guilt trip. After all, it wouldn't be a visit from my mother if some sort of guilt trip wasn't involved. If you are curious of my crime, I never call her or come see her. Gee, ya think! I don't subject my children to people who are un-accepting of them. And she has never been accepting of me... Oh, she was sure to mention that my brother came to see her yesterday. I simply don't understand why she doesn't just continue to pretend the embarrassment doesn't exist. (that would be me, btw)

Did I mention that I redyed Kyllian's hair last night and it is spiked today?? :D I am sure that made it into the 'disapproving' column. Oh well, it has good company. I am happy to spend time with Kyllian's spiked hair any day!

VOLUNTEERS INVITED TO COASTAL CLEANUP

2008-09-09T10:31:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered how much trash accumulates on Volusia County's
beaches? Find out by participating in this year's International
Coastal Cleanup from 8:30 - 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Once again,
Volusia County is gearing up for the annual cleanup at 10 sites along
Volusia County's beaches. The event is in conjunction with the Ocean
Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup.

Known as the largest and most successful volunteer event of its kind,
each year thousands of volunteers from around the globe participate in
the cleanup, clearing tons of trash from ocean coastlines, rivers and
lakes and recording every piece of trash collected, according to
Stacey Bell, project coordinator for Volusia County's effort In 2007,
in 76 countries more than 378,000 volunteers picked up more than six
million pounds of debris from 33,000 miles of shoreline. That
averages out to an estimated 187 pounds of trash per mile.

"This cleanup is a great opportunity for families and organizations
in our community to get together and make a difference for wildlife,"
said Bell. "It's important to remember that if we leave trash on the
beach or in a waterway, or even miles inland, it does not just
disappear. We all have a responsibility to dispose of our trash
properly for a healthy environment and to work together to keep it
clean for future generations."

As trash is picked up during the Coastal Cleanup, its type is
recorded on a tally card. This data allows event organizers to track
the type and amount of trash found on beaches worldwide.

Volunteers are invited to participate in the Coastal Cleanup at:

Bicentennial Park, 1800 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Ormond-by-the-Sea

Tom Renick Park, 1575 Oceanshore Blvd., Ormond-by-the-Sea

Sunsplash Park, 611 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach

Frank Rendon Park, 2705 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores

Toronita Off-beach parking area, 4200 S. Atlantic Ave.,
Wilbur-by-the-Sea

Winter Haven Park, 4589 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet

North Beach Neighborhood Park, 1100 N. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna
Beach

Flagler Avenue beach approach, Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach

27th Avenue Park, 3701 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach

Bethune Beach Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach

Participants need to check-in between 8:30 - 9 a.m. the morning of
the cleanup. Participants are encouraged to bring water and wear
sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable clothing. Participants
also should bring used plastic shopping bags to reuse at sites for
collection of trash and recyclables. Volunteers who return their data
tally card, trash and recyclables will receive a reusable shopping
tote (while supplies last).

For more information about the cleanup, please visit
www.volusia.org/cleanup.
To pre-register, contact:

- For locations in New Smyrna Beach, Chad Truxall at (386) 428-3310
or chad@marinediscoverycenter.org
- For all other locations, Stacey Bell at (386) 239-6414, ext. 33, or
sbell@co.volusia.fl.

This is for you, T!

2008-09-08T11:20:00.003-04:00

The difference between can and cannot are only three letters. Three letters that determine your life's direction.

Being positive or negative are habits of thoughts that have a very strong influence on life.

Positive and negative are directions. Which direction do you choose?

Positive thinking is expecting, talking and visualizing with certainty what you want to achieve, as an accomplished fact.

Riches, mediocrity and poverty begin in the mind.

Reality is the mirror of your thoughts. Choose well what you put in front of the mirror.

A positive attitude brings strength, energy and initiative.

To think negatively is like taking a weakening drug.

Positive thoughts are not enough. There have to be positive feelings and positive actions.

When you say, "I can't" and expect the worst, you become weak and unhappy.

When you say "I can", and expect success, you fill yourself with confidence and happiness.

You can close the windows and darken your room, and you can open the windows and let light in. It is a matter of choice. Your mind is your room. Do you darken it or do you fill it with light?

Positive thinking and negative thinking are attitudes. They are points of view, and show the way people handle their affairs.

Suppose you stand at a crossroads, one way leads to a desert and the other one to lush meadows, which way do you choose?

Clear thoughts produce produce clear results.

Positive thinking evokes more energy, more initiative and more happiness.

Train your mind to think in terms of 'possible' and 'can be done'.

When you have control over your thoughts, you have control over your life.

Happy thoughts attract happy people into your life.

Happy thoughts fill your life with happiness.

When you change your habitual thoughts, it is like changing the direction of a train.

Affirm the positive, visualize the positive and expect the positive, and your life will change accordingly.

When there are difficulties and you feel down, this is the time to visualize, think and expect the positive.

Do not let circumstances influence your thoughts and moods. By rising over them mentally, you will eventually rise over them materially.

Fill your mind with light, happiness, hope, feelings of security and strength, and soon your life will reflect these qualities.

Pet Peeve Monday

2008-09-08T07:18:00.002-04:00

Today's list is going to be very specific! LOL Aren't they all!

People who are devoid of compasion
Clothes that don't fit
My children's shoes (seriously, is it really that hard to just put them away!)
Dishes (I have been gone a HUGE chunk of this weekend. Between Friday and Sunday I ate at home twice. My kitchen looks like I just had a wild party!)
Dishes (I felt it deserved a second entry, lol.)
Running out of bookshelf space (I am almost maxed out and I have no idea where I can possibly fit another bookcase in my house!!! Perhaps this is a sign that I don't need anymore books? Nah...)
Demanding AND indecisive clients (Be one or the other, that I can handle, both at the same time is ANNOYING!)
The extreme lack of urgency on the part of South Seminole Hospital (Don't get sick in Longwood!!!)

Here it is!

2008-09-07T21:50:00.003-04:00

This is the final design. After sitting here for the last hour trying to check measurements and proportions I had to change things just a little. The weight I have lost over the last year has altered the proportions just enough to throw things off. Regardless I am thrilled with the design and I am so excited that Tom is willing to do this at the convention. It will take a good chunk of his day. The estimate came in at 4 hours. Then I get to drive all the way home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully a friend of mine will be able to get out of work to drive up with me. A 2 hour drive with a fresh full back tat does not sound like an enjoyable experience! LOL

Yes, I could get it done local but I have to opportunity to have Tom do it so I am going to take it!

ASL Week One

2008-09-07T21:24:00.002-04:00

Our first sign language co-op will be Tuesday. I have to say, I am a little nervous. I have never taught sign language to children. I was a TA in college and tutored more adults than I can count. I also taught sign language to behavioral health workers.

I am not sure if the spatial concepts will be easier of harder for children to grasp. On one hand, children tend to mirror gestures. If you are facing a young child and tell them to do what you do, they will mirror you. So if you raise your right hand, they will raise their left. The spatial relationship is on the same side. Sign Language spatial concepts work the opposite. So this might be a challenge. On the other hand, I have worked with adults that just could not get the concept of a spatially based language. The adults tend to be too set in their ways and can only think of language in the form of words. Kids are more open to different ways of thinking.

Grammar, I think, will be easier for the kids. Kids tend to be more accepting of the grammar rules in sign language. Adults think in terms of predicates, verbs, nouns, tense, etc. Those things are just not as important in sign language, at least not in the way we typically think of them. Kids tend to think in pictures. That is a perfect way to think about sign language grammar. As an example, if you are going to say 'red car', most adults will sign RED - CAR. In actuality you would sign CAR - RED. You sign the description in the same order in which you would draw the picture. If you are drawing a picture of a red car you would draw the car first and then color it red. A spatial, visual language must be thought of in a spatial, visual way.

We will begin with the alphabet and the hundred most common words. We will do some point of reference and spatial drills after we break for lunch. The co-op is on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. We will go as fast or as slow as we need to. Some units have more vocab and will likely need more time than some of the shorter units. You won't need any text book. Everything is available online. However if you are interested in a dictionary I have a really nice one that I can recommend. It is a bit pricey though!

Compassion

2008-09-06T22:23:00.002-04:00

How much does it take to have a little compassion for a confused child? Seriously, is it that hard? Is it not a simple gesture to just be present and acknowledge what he is going through? Come on??

I have not been this angry at a single individual in a VERY LONG TIME! It has been so long that I can't even remember who that unfortunate person was. (Oh no, I just remembered! It was in 1991 and that unfortunate person was my ex-father-in-law and he got decked!) And I am not sure I have ever been so mad at someone that I have ACTUALLY thrown something at them, thought about it maybe. (Technically I just threw it in the general direction. Physical contact with the side of this person's thick skull would have been entirely accidental!)

Evidently compassion is just not everyone's 'thing'.

I am not playing the 'peacemaker' or giving the benefit of the doubt that I am famous for on this one. I will hold this grudge for a very long time.

My tattoo artist has gone missing!

2008-09-04T23:36:00.002-04:00

I am so upset. Dorothy, where are you!!! LOL

I have had the same person work on my back all three times. I did it on purpose because the design is so simple that I didn't want the nuances in different peoples technique to show up.

But Dorothy has abandoned me! I guess my change in direction with the design is meant to be. (You know, if you listen the universe is easy to hear!)

Now, I am hoping to be able to get Tom DePriest to do the rest of it. If you haven't already, you must check out his website. Eileen and I both have work from him. His work is by far the best tattoo I have (sorry Dorothy, where ever you are!) and he has the most gentle touch of any tattoo artist that has worked on me. His work is brilliant! AND, he will be in Jacksonville next weekend. There is no way K will have his design done in time but I think I am going to try to head up there.

The Great Homeschool Experiment!

2008-09-04T20:50:00.002-04:00

I am abandoning all "book" work until the end of the year. We will not be unschooling in the traditional sense (can unschooling and traditional be used in the same sentence?). Instead we are going to focus on World Cultures, Science, Music, Art and Foreign Language. All done in a hands-on/out of the box (box meaning house!) way. Reading and math are going to be the big stress points for me. I will have a hard time letting go of structured math. I will still require regular reading but the books will be of their choosing.

Here's to my insanity! LOL

Carey, feel free to comment. I don't want you to explode! :)

My child is freaking me out!!!

2008-09-04T09:02:00.004-04:00

I have been thinking about my grandmother a lot in the last two days. Memories of her will surface for no apparent reason, totally out of the blue. (I think it is because I have been working on my tattoo lately and the last part I added was in honor of her.)

This morning I woke up at 6am and couldn't go back to sleep because, among other things, I was thinking of her and how she affected my life.

Just now Kyllian started asking me questions about her and when she died!

The kid has a creepy way of knowing what I am feeling.

My spellcheck is NOT HAPPY! LOL

2008-09-04T08:19:00.003-04:00

In meiner Bi-Ba-Badewanne

Refrain: In meiner Bi-, Ba-, Badewanne will ich segeln gehen
In meiner Bi-, Ba-, Badewanne bin ich Kapitän
In meiner Bi-, Ba-, Badewanne fahr ich über`s Meer
In meiner Bi-, Ba-, Badewanne komm ich wieder her

1. Immer wenn ich schmutzig bin, nana nana na,
sitz ich in der Wanne drin, nana nana na.
Seebär`n müssen sauber sein, nana nana na,
strahlen wie der Sonnenschein, nana nana na.

2. Ich seif meine Füße ein, nana...
Meine Knie, das ganze Bein.
Gründlich wasch ich meinen Po,
Vorderseite ebenso.

3. Rücken, Brust und meinen Bauch,
schrubb ich kräftig, Arme auch.
Hände waschen, schon gemacht,
nun der Hals - wär ja gelacht!

4. Haare waschen, Stück für Stück,
in den Ohren sitzt noch Dreck.
Schnell noch Nase und Gesicht,
nur die Zähne wasch ich nicht.

5. So sitz ich von früh bis spät,
Leute, wie die Zeit vergeht.
Wasser raus, ich bin noch naß,
Handtuch her - das war ein Spaß!

Pi-Pa-Pustewind

Ref.:
Pi-pa, pi-pa, Pustewind,
pi-pa, puste doch geschwind!
Pi-pa-puh! Pi-pa-puh!
Pi-pa, pustest du?
Pi-pa, pi-pa, Pustewind,
pi-pa, puste doch geschwind!
Pi-pa-puh! Pi-pa-puh!
Pi-pa, pustest du?

1. Hui, ich bin der Frühlingswind,
pi-pa-puste, Frühlingswind!
Hui, ich komm von Westen her!
Pi-pa-puh, ich freu mich sehr!
Hey, ich freu mich sehr!

2. Hui, ich bin der Sommerwind,
pi-pa-puste, Sommerwind!
Hui, ich weh von Süden her!
Pi-pa-puh, weit über`s Meer,
hey, weit über`s Meer!

3. Hui, ich bin der Herbstzeitwind,
pi-pa-puste, Herbstzeitwind!
Hui, ich stürm von Osten her!
Pi-pa-puh, mein Weg war schwer!
Oh, mein Weg war schwer!

4. Hui, ich bin der Winterwind,
pi-pa-puste, Winterwind!
Hui, ich blas von Norden her!
Pi-pa-puh, ich friere sehr!
Oh, ich friere sehr!

Alternativ kann dieses Lied auch als Mühlenlied „Mi-Ma-Mühle, dreh dein Rad“ gesungen werden. Die
Strophen bleiben hierbei dieselben, der Refrain lautet dann wie folgt:

Refrain (2x gesungen):
Mi-Ma-Mühle, dreh dein Rad,
mahl das Korn für unsre Stadt.
Klippe, klapp, klippe, klapp,
klippe, klippe, klapp!

Bauer Hans

Bauer Hans steht auf dem Feld, hat sein Feld schon bald bestellt.
Heute will er…

1. pflügen:
Pflügen, pflügen, kräftig rackern,
immerzu die Erde ackern.

2. säen:
Säen, säen, weitergehen,
Körner in die Felder säen.

3. pflanzen:
Pflanzen, pflanzen, stecken, legen,
bitte das Gemüse pflegen.

4. mähen:
Mähen, mähen, alles schneide,
nicht nur Heu, auch das Getreide.

5. wenden:
Wenden, wenden, mit den Händen,
immerzu das Heu umwenden.

6. binden:
Binden, binden, Halme finden,
diese dann zu Garben binden.

7. dreschen:
Dreschen, dreschen, Ähren klopfen,
Körner in die Säcke stopfen.

8. ernten:
Ernten, ernten, Äpfel pflücken,
zum Gemüse runterbücken.

9. feiern:
Feiern, feiern, singen, lachen,
und dazu ein Tänzchen machen.

10. schlafen:
Schlafen, schlafen, wie die Grafen,
noch ein Stündchen weiterschlafen.

11. Bauer Hans steht auf dem Feld, hat sein Feld schon bald bestellt.

Das ist seine Arbeit:
Pflügen, pflügen, kräftig rackern, immerzu die Erde ackern.
Säen, säen, weitergehen, Körner in die Felder säen.
Pflanzen, pflanzen, stecken, legen, bitte das Gemüse pflegen.
Mähen, mähen, alles schneide, nicht nur Heu, auch das Getreide.
Wenden, wenden, mit den Händen, immerzu das Heu umwenden.
Binden, binden, Halme finden, diese dann zu Garben binden.
Dreschen, dreschen, Ähren klopfen, Körner in die Säcke stopfen.
Ernten, ernten, Äpfel pflücken, zum Gemüse runterbücken.
Feiern, feiern, singen, lachen, und dazu ein Tänzchen machen.
Schlafen, schlafen, wie die Grafen, noch ein Stündchen weiterschlafen.

12. Bäuerin Rita ruft zu Tisch, heute gibt es alles frisch,
was der Hans mir bringet:
Brot, Gemüse, Obst, Salate stehn auf unsrer Speisekarte.
Hmm.

Spielanregung:
Bauer Hans ist noch ein Bauer „vom alten Schlag“ und arbeitet noch mit seiner Hände Kraft statt mit moderner
Maschinerie.
Wir stehen im Kreis und spielen das Lied gemeinsam mit, zu jeder Arbeit ergibt sich eine Bewegung aus dem
Liedtext.
Wo mehrere Abläufe genannt sind, der Einfachheit halber nur eine Bewegung ausführen: z.B. eine
Schlagbewegung beim Ausdreschen der Ähren; beim Feiern bei den Nachbarn unterhaken und im Kreis
tanzen usw.
Alle Tätigkeiten werden in der 11. extra-langen Strophe wiederholt.
Alle sind also aufgefordert, sich den Text und die Bewegungen gut einzuprägen.
Zur wieder kurzen Schluss-Strophe, in der dann auch die Bäuerin auftaucht, reiben wir zum Essen unsere
Bäuche und stossen ganz am Ende ein genüssliches „hmm“ aus.

Es war einmal ein Papagei

1. Es war einmal ein Papagei, dingel-dangel-ding-dang-dong,
der konnte sprechen, eins, zwei, drei, dingel-dangel-ding-dang-dong,
auch pfeifen fiel ihm gar nicht schwer, dingel-dangel-ding-dang-dong
ja, das gefiel dem Kragenbär, dingel-dangel-ding-dang-dong.
Dingel-dangel-ding-dang-dong, dingel-dangel-ding-dang-dong.

2. Es war einmal ein Kragenbär, dingel...,
der tanzte wild im Kreis umher, dingel...
er naschte Honig, viel zu viel, dingel....,
das ärgerte ein Krokodil, dingel...

3. Es war einmal ein Krokodil,
das lebte ganz allein am Nil,
es träumte davon, dann und wann,
zu fliegen wie ein Pelikan.

4. Es war einmal ein Pelikan,
der flog so weit, er fliegen kann,
vom blauen Nil zum Roten Meer,
dort schwamm ein Sägefisch umher.

5. Es war einmal ein Sägefisch,
der biß in einen Hut aus Plüsch,
dann schluckte er `nen alten Schuh,
da kicherte der Kakadu.

6. Es war einmal ein Kakadu,
der baute sich ein Nest im Nu,
dann flatterte er froh zum Strand,
dort sonnte sich ein Elefant.

7. Es war einmal ein Elefant,
der trieb im Dschungel allerhand,
ihn kannten alle, Groß und Klein,
sogar das stolze Stachelschwein.

8. Es war einmal ein Stachelschwein,
das zog in eine Höhle ein,
es rannte wieder raus, ganz flugs,
denn drinnen hauste schon ein Fuchs.

9. Es war einmal ein schlauer Fuchs,
er traf bei nacht den scheuen Luchs,
der suchte nach `ner Haselmaus,
und nun ist dieses Liedchen aus!

10. Es war einmal ein Liedchen aus,
und alle wollten schon nach Haus.
Sie dachten, alles ist vorbei,
da hörten sie den Papagei...

(Lied beginnt von vorn)

Spielanregung: Ab der 2. Strophe hört der Sänger nach "Es war einmal..." auf zu singen und fragt, welches
Tier jetzt an dieser Stelle von der vorherigen Strophe wiederholt wird.

Reich mir die Hand (Kanon Tschüs auf Wiedersehn)

Reich mir die Hand
Wir wollen jetzt nach Hause gehen
Bis morgen früh
Wenn wir uns alle wieder sehn
Tschüs, auf Wiedersehn
Tschüs, auf Wiedersehn
Tschüs, auf Wiedersehn
Tschüs, tschüs, tschüs.

Gedacht zum Ende eines jeden Kindergarten- oder Schultags.
Am Freitag können wir dann singen „Bis Montag früh”.
Vor den Ferien dann z.B. „Bis zum August” oder „Bis Januar”.

Spielanregung: Wir stehen im Kreis.
In der ersten Hälfte fassen wir uns an die Hände
und schwingen leicht wie ein Baum im Rhythmus
von links nach rechts.
Zum ersten "Tschüs, auf Wiedersehn" winken
wir uns erst mit der einen, beim zweiten dann mit
der anderen und schliesslich beim dritten mit beiden
Händen gegenseitig zu; und bei den letzten drei
"Tschüs" klatschen wir alle rhythmisch 3x mit.
Nach dem letzten "Tschüs" winken wir uns noch
mal gegenseitig zu, bevor wir dann tatsächlich nach
Hause gehen.

Zusätzlich kann das Lied mit älteren Kindern
oder Erwachsenen als 2- max. 8-stimmiger
Kanon gesungen werden, wo dann entweder
in der Hälfte, nach jeder 2. oder sogar nach
jeder Zeile geteilt werden kann.

Wenn der Abschied länger als für einen Tag bzw. auf unbestimmte Zeit ist, kann es auch so gesungen werden:

Reich mir die Hand
Wir wollen jetzt nach Hause gehen
Bis irgendwann
Wenn wir uns alle wieder sehn
Tschüs, auf Wiedersehn
Tschüs, auf Wiedersehn
Tschüs, auf Wiedersehn
Tschüs, tschüs, tschüs.

“Reich mir die Hand” kann auch alternativ z.B. als Gute-Nacht-Lied gesungen werden, z.B. abends in der Familie, im Ferienlager usw.:

Reich mir die Hand
Weil wir jetzt alle schlafen gehen
Bis morgen früh
Wenn wir uns alle wieder sehn
Eine gute Nacht!
Eine gute Nacht!
Eine gute Nacht!
Gute Nacht!

Hier können wir dann im 2. Teil den Kopf auf die Hände legen, um das Schlafen zu symbolisieren, zum Schluss leiser werden oder leise Schlafgeräusche machen.

Am I Insane????

2008-09-04T07:41:00.004-04:00

I have been having an inner battle lately regarding homeschooling philosophy. As I dutifully stick to my lesson plans, I am feeling the draw to just let it all go and unschool. Then I start to wonder if I have totally lost my mind for considering such a thing.

I am NOT a unschooler. The thought terrifies me. Yet, I can not deny that Kyllian is very motivated to learn ONLY those things that he is interested in. If he isn't interested in it, there is no amount of coaxing, discussion or bribery that will make him learn it. Drake will do the work I give him but he would prefer to self teach.

I don't know that I can unschool without becoming a complete neurotic mess. BTDT!!!

I have come a long way in recent years learning to balance (there's that word again!) my need for order and structure. I have my structure in place but I am okay with things changing. I can accept that we may not keep to our schedule. I don't mind spotaneous activities poping up. We will drop everything and go to the park and I don't mind reshuffling the schedule. But I do still always come back to the schedule.

Everytime I inch away from that schedule we (I) end up coming back to it and feeling more bound to it.

Yet, I look at what Kyllian taught himself last year and I am amazed. He taught himself to read. He did it. I can take no credit for it. It was all him. I don't even know when he started reading. He was just reading one day. And I am not talking Dick and Jane reading. The day I realized he was reading was the day he was reading the ingredients off the back of my protein powder jar in the car. I suppose if he can read the word 'phosphorus' then I don't really need to worry about phonics! And he did all of this during the time when he was between dianosises and treatments. What will he manage to teach himself NOW!!!?

I have been having this delima since I wrote our "Mission Statement". (Thanks MDC!) The fourth statement is my hangup!

to not be bound to any specific method or educational ideal; instead, facilitating the achievement of these things in the manor in which is best for the individual child.

I whole heartily agree with it but I have difficulty balancing it with my need for structure!

Oh, and Carey before you ask, NO! You are not allowed to comment!! LOL

Deland Fall Festival of the Arts

2008-09-03T14:45:00.002-04:00

Okay, folks! It is that time of the year again. Planning time for the Deland Fall Festival of the Arts.

If you are WEST VOLUSIA county resident with children of LEGAL school age and are interested in participating in the Youth Art Exhibit please hop on over and join our Yahoo group. We will begin open discussion on this years theme very shortly!

Last year one of our members won Honorable Mention. (Congrats again Isaac!)

I Love the Sound of Crickets!

2008-09-03T12:49:00.001-04:00

I always have. I am sure that makes me weird but....

We are frog sitting for Sheri and Brian and I have a box of crickets chirping away in the background.

I am afraid, however, that K doesn't share my appreciation. :(

More Books?

2008-09-03T08:50:00.003-04:00

I know my motto is "You can never own too many books." but I just found a box of box I didn't know I still had. Actually I thought it was lost in my move. Perhaps there's hope for some of the other things I assumed gone!

The box of books is from college. I haven't had a chance to go through it but it looks like a bunch of anthropology books!!!!! Maybe my lost Deaf Culture books are in there too.

I have no idea where I am going to put these. LOL

Are you kidding me???

2008-09-03T08:42:00.001-04:00

Hanna

Ike

and now

Josephine

Pumpkin Carving

2008-09-02T23:24:00.004-04:00

I know it is early, but you know me!

Is it possible???

2008-09-02T22:52:00.003-04:00

I am actually caught up! Contracts are printed, flyers are cut, charts are formatted, website was just burned to disk, business cards have been uploaded to the printer. Unless I have completely forgot something, I am officially caught up!!

Power of positive thinking, baby!!

I need opinions!

2008-09-02T22:20:00.004-04:00

Who wants to critique my tattoo?? K and I have been looking at this design for 4 years. I am losing objectivity! LOL

Keep in mind the center and the little bit at the bottom are already there so they can't be changed. The wings will run from one shoulder to the other. It spans about 18 inches in total. I am even considering lifting my ban on color????

I had a more abstract wing originally but I don't think I like it anymore. Hence the new direction!